St Regis Announces Alliance With Ritter

Ritter To Maintain ASI Number

Through an alliance announced this week, supplier St Regis Group (asi/84592) will take over operations of Ritter Pen (asi/82528) in North America, effective immediately. Per the agreement, Ritter will maintain its ASI number and its line will continue to be presented through a separate catalog and website.

"A partnership with the St Regis Group allows us to maximize the large scale national market opportunities for Ritter Pen in the U.S.," said Jürgen Riedel, managing director of Ritter Pen. "Expanding our distribution channels and increasing our serviceability in the U.S. is a key component of our overall growth strategy."

While Ritter products will be made in Germany, St Regis will provide the infrastructure to allow Ritter Pen to inventory in the U.S. and Canada. St Regis expects to be able to offer full inventory of Ritter's line within one to two years. "We are excited to expand on our relationship with Ritter and value their trust in us to manage the sales, marketing and fulfillment of their Ritter brand pens in the U.S.," said Richard Firkser, president and CEO of the St Regis Group.

Founded in 1999, the St Regis Group owns several industry suppliers including St. Regis Crystal (asi/84592) and R.S. Owens (asi/75530).